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Sam Diab, a third-generation Heinz employee, could soon own a piece of the century-old Leamington facility, and play a role in saving the plant that is slated to shut down in June.

“One door closes and another one opens,” said Diab, who was born and raised in Leamington, noting his parents used to pick tomatoes before and after school.

He has worked at Heinz for almost a decade, working his way up to the top position of factory manager.

“As a kid driving by the factory every day, I didn’t imagine I would be in this spot at this point in my career,” said Diab, a 31-year-old married father of three, with another baby on the way.

H.J. Heinz announced Thursday it has signed a letter of intent for Highbury Canco Corp. to buy the plant that has made everything from baby food to tomato juice for generations. No sale price was disclosed.

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While key details still need to be finalized in the next four to six weeks including agreements with tomato growers and the union, but Highbury Canco is aiming to begin production in early July.

“We hope for the best, and are very optimistic about our plans,” said Diab, who is one of four investors in Highbury Canco Corp., incorporated just this month.

Another shareholder is Toronto entrepreneur Pradeep Sood, who has extensive manufacturing experience and strong business connections, having served as chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Sood, who immigrated to Canada from India 23 years ago, has a varied business background. An accountant by training, he has worked in plastic extrusion, run a medical transcription company, and even grown chrysanthemum flowers at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Sood confesses that he and his partners were initially hesitant to look at the Leamington plant, given its age, questioning whether it would be worth the investment.

“When we went there, we saw they were doing so many things right. And there was room for us to improve on certain things, and increase the product range,” Sood said.

“It did take time. It needed a very focused approach. It was not a simple decision.”

The proposed acquisition of the land and equipment has thrown a lifeline to the town in southwestern Ontario that is synonymous with ketchup, made famous by a Stompin’ Tom Connors song.

The much-anticipated news Thursday raised hopes that one-third of the 740 job cuts announced by Heinz in November with the plant’s closure may be saved.

“There is cautious optimism,” Diab said. “Heinz has a lot of great employees and we are hoping to hire 250 employees, which is one-third. That’s going to be tough.”

Highbury is negotiating a deal with Heinz to produce and distribute products exclusively for the Pittsburgh-based company including tomato juice and other tomato-based products.

Heinz officials declined to comment on potential products, but Highbury has said ketchup won’t be made in Leamington any more.

While no government money is involved in the proposed purchase, Sood said Highbury hopes to work with all stakeholders in the coming weeks to finalize the deal.

Sood said Highbury may be eligible for government assistance under various programs such as the provincial South Western Ontario Development Fund.

The timing of Thursday’s announcement is critical as tomato farmers need to begin the seeding process in the coming weeks for this summer’s crop, but they are first looking for buyer commitments.

Under Canadian food regulations, tomato juice that is sold in this country must be made from whole tomatoes, not paste, ruling out its U.S.-made products.

Highbury is looking to make other products for other companies in the huge facility, or possibly under its own label. Ideas include other vegetables or possibly ethnic products such as salsa.

When pressed what Highbury could be make, Sood paused, and then says everyone loves a Bloody Mary cocktail.

He speculated that they could produce different forms of the tomato-based drink, adding Highbury has a nice ring to it.

UFCW Local 459 president Robert Crawford hailed Thursday’s news, adding Highbury has expressed a commitment to respect collective bargaining rights, though a new contract would still need to be negotiated.

“They will be hiring people that presently work there, 459 members, not necessarily based on seniority,” Crawford said.

“It doesn’t cover the whole loss, but it helps. It helps the employees. It helps the community,” he said.

While Crawford concedes the wages at Highbury could possibly be lower than the average $25 an hour at Heinz, he remains hopeful that the new owners are willing to work with the union.

Sood also praised the work force, emphasizing their skills and experience.

“What makes any manufacturing business successful are the workers,” he said. “We have to examine the market potential to see where and how we could grow the plant. It’s not just taking the plant, but growing it.”

When asked whether the plant might operate as a non-union facility, Sood said: “Anything is possible, but we are not averse to talking to the union. So we will talk to them.”

UFCW’s Crawford thinks the fact that Diab is one of the investors is a good sign, given he understands Leamington and the plant.

“Sam’s a pretty strong leader. He’s a smart guy,” Crawford said. “I have full confidence in him that he’ll be able to pull this off, and expand this business. That’s what we’re hoping for.

“The worst thing I was imagining was driving past that facility with the lights out,” he said.

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